Wednesday, March 15, 2000
Commissioner backs light rail
Money could come from sales tax hike
BY DAVID ECK
Enquirer Contributor
CLEARCREEK TOWNSHIP — Light rail for Greater Cincinnati has a staunch backer in Warren County.
“I'm sold on it,” County Commissioner Larry Crisenberry said at a Clearcreek Township citizens meeting Monday night, but he added that backers will have to work hard to convince residents it would be worthwhile.
“It has to be the will of the people,” he said.
Plans to run light rail from Cincinnati to Paramount's Kings Island, and possibly to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, have been in the works.
But residents in several counties, including Warren, would have to approve, including supporting necessary taxes.
A way for Warren to raise its share of the $600 million project is to increase the county's sales tax between a quarter and a half of a percentage point.
“I believe a quarter would do it,” Mr. Crisenberry said. “I absolutely will not do a real estate tax.”
Even though the system would be on the county's southeast side, residents from all of Warren County would likely use it to get to the airport and Cincinnati, backers say.
Supporters say companies would also benefit because employees now have a hard time getting to work because of traffic congestion.
The commissioner also gave a brief update on the recent controversy over the Warren County Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (MRDD)agency's purchase of two homes at prices that appeared to be well above market value.
The purchases are still being investigated, Mr. Crisenberry said.
The controversy caused MRDD Superintendent Charlotte Marinacci to retire.
“She did a great job, but she overstepped her bounds on this one,” Mr. Crisenberry said.
“It's a shame this happened. It should not have happened. That's money that's taken away from the (MRDD) clients. What we have to do is restore the faith of you folks.”
About 20 residents attended the wide-ranging, hourlong forum.
“It was pretty informative. He covered some interesting subjects,” said John Reed, a Clearcreek Township resident since 1971.
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